Germany abolished visas for Russian official passport

Germany and Luxembourg are ready to introduce visa-free regime for Russians with official passports, – informs the newspaper “Kommersant”. The country head of the German MFA Guido Westerwelle and Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich informed on the change of their position the European Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström.

Germany was a key country opposed to the introduction of visa-free regime for Russian officials, so the Russian side refused to continue work on the mutual abolition of visas with the European Union. The dispute, which lasts a year and a half now, may be solved in the near future – and the agreement between the EU and Russia will be signed before the summer holiday season.

According to “Kommersant”, Germany has changed its position on the pressure of German business groups and tourism operators who have long insisted on the abolition of the visa regime with Russia.

“The government of Germany initially supported the dialogue between the EU and Russia on a new agreement on visa facilitation. German authorities votes for the settlement of the question of the abolition of visas for official passport holders,” – quotes the newspaper the words of the representative of the embassy.

The countries that have not yet supported the Germany's decision are Austria, Denmark, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Poland and others.

As noted in the publication, the discussion on the visa abolition between Russia and Europe will be held on March 11 in Moscow during the visit of General Director of the European Commission for Home Affairs Stefano Manservizi.